Carolyn Polese, C. (1995). A child called it. School Library Journal.

Even though it is very sad it helps you apprecieate life even more and you become grateful that you have the parents you do. My friends told me that it was an awesome book. AHS/CP

This novel is good and sad at the same time. It is good because it shows how child abuse is a nightmare today for some kids. It is sad because basically its Mom is making his life a living nightmare every day of his young life. ( )

An absolute must read, A Child Called "It", tells of the abuse and resilience of David Pelzer. As a very young child Pelzer lived a normal life; he, his parents, and his brothers were a typical family. They spent time together, laughed together, played together, and vacationed together. Then, suddenly, Pelzer's mother changed; she became monstrous and began beating Pelzer. She did not beat the other boys and Pelzer's father never tried to stop her. This is an extremely emotional part of the book, as I often found myself crying while reading. Pelzer was put through a series of torturous "games" by his mother, things no one should ever endure. Pelzer was forced to sleep in the cold garage, steal from his classmates or dog food to avoid starving, sit on the burning stovetop, and sit for hours almost completely submerged in a bath of cold water. While, understandably at times, the memoir is very hard to read, it is an inspirational reminder of what we should be thankful for, things we are lucky to not have to deal with.

Pelzer's story does turn for the better eventually, and after rooting for this poor, undeserving child the entire time, it is so rewarding to know he preserved. Pelzer, only a child at the time of the story, has more to teach than any adult I know. His memoir was inspirational, emotional and definitely recommended. ( )

This is one of the most heartbreaking stories you'll ever read. That being said, it's also very hard to actually read it. The level of abuse that Dave Pelzer suffered at the hands of his mother is truly indescribable, and I truly admire the man he's become. I don't honestly know if I could be as well-adjusted, not to mention humble, forgiving, and anger-free, as this man is.

This is one book you'll truly remember forever. ( )